Sibling debutants tri their best in Euro contest

They were the first Scottish athletes to be selected to compete for team GB at Triathle, having qualified at the British Championships in Sherborne, Dorset, in May.

The three-day event commenced following a rousing opening ceremony, where over 180 athletes from 18 countries met on the eve of the competition.

The Triathle events took place on day one.

The third heat of the day saw Blake take his place on the start line in the first of two qualification heats, prior to an afternoon final.

He found himself unexpectedly in the lead after two repetitions, eventually qualifying safely in eighth, while maintaining his focus and composure in intense, tough conditions.

Jacob was straight into his final and performed strongly, with his usual commitment, eventually finishing a creditable ninth, having suffered a really challenging first swim phase.

Blake lined up for the final in a 24-strong field and showed great confidence, moving swiftly through the phases and holding his own in this top European event.

Having battled throughout the phases and demonstrated great confidence and composure, he eventually crossed the line in seventh, having improved on his earlier qualifying time by 10 seconds.

Blake and Jacob were also included in winning GB teams, which saw the best scoring teams of each country ranked against each other.

Howard Jones, Pentathlon GB Biathle and Triathle manager said: “The whole GB team performed with great credit, and the boys were tremendous first-time additions to the team.”

Murdo MacDonald, chairman of Scottish Pentathlon, added: “We are so thrilled that Blake and Jacob were successful in selection for inclusion with the team.

“They continue to develop their pentathlon skills with support of the Borders Hub.”

If you want to find out more information about triuathle, there are further details available by logging on to www.uipmworld.org/sport/uipm-triathle